Objective: To analyze the available evidence regarding the effect that corticosteroids have on the prevention of fat embolism syndrome after long bone fracture of the lower limbs or pelvic fracture. Methods: In March of 2007, we performed a search of various electronic databases, including Medline, the Excerpta Medica database, the Cochrane Library, the Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature database and the Scientific Electronic Library Online. We selected randomized controlled trials that compared the effect of corticosteroids with that of placebo (or standard care) on the prevention of fat embolism syndrome after long bone fracture of the lower limbs or pelvic fracture. References from the studies included were also reviewed. Results: Six studies were included. The pooled relative risk for developing fat embolism syndrome was 0.16 (95% CI: 0.08-0.35) in the corticosteroid group as compared with the control group. The pooled relative risk for developing hypoxemia was 0.34 (95% CI: 0.19-0.59) in the corticosteroid group as compared with the control group. Conclusion: The analysis of evidence showed that corticosteroids decrease the risk of developing fat embolism syndrome and hypoxemia after long bone fracture of the lower limbs.

Keywords: Embolism, Fat; Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Meta-Analysis.